Emerging Agricultural Technology Regulation: Opportunities and Barriers

Summary

This project will undertake research and stakeholder consultations to deliver information that improves government, industry and RDCs understanding of possible regulatory interventions that may be relevant to managing the adoption and uptake of eight emerging technologies in Australia’s agricultural sector. The information will take the following forms: — A short report that identifies the regulatory barriers and opportunities in relation to eight emerging technologies, including the risks and opportunity costs and possible actions or controls to ameliorate these risks, drawn from international experience, academic and industry studies — Two case studies that provide a more expansive assessment of the issues identified in the short report, specific to two of the eight technologies (following the format used by AgriFutures) — Eight onepage fact sheets outlining the challenges and opportunities that exist for each of the technologies (following the format used by AgriFutures)

Program

National Rural Issues

Research Organisation

ACIL Allen Consulting Pty Ltd

Objective Summary

Development and convergence of technologies is occurring at a faster rate than regulation. Policy and regulation have not necessarily kept pace with the rapid advancements in some technologies. The challenge for policy makers is to balance opportunities with resource sustainability and public safety. Without a clear understanding of the regulatory barriers and opportunities that may restrict or prohibit the agriculture sector’s ability to adopt technology or safeguard access to it, there is a possibility that the sector may be locked out of using emerging technologies or be unable to capitalise on opportunities that our international competitors have access to. The project therefore has three objectives: 1. Identify the eight new technologies that are expected to have the greatest impact on Australian agriculture over the next 5 to 10 years; 2. Identify and document the regulatory barriers and opportunities for each of the eight technologies, and the opportunity cost of not addressing them; 3. Identify and document possible regulatory controls or actions to address the risks, and who may be responsible for implementing them.